The nearly Thousandth post Contest



(just another baby legging in the image. Using my socks yarns a little differently)

I think that blogger may not have correctly counted all the posts I've written. I've been posting since 2004 so I guess it is possible. I'm not going to go back and count them all. It says this is post 987. So we'll go with it.

Im having a little contest for the milestone, but I have had writer's block since I decided on the 1000th post contest. So to take the pressure off, we are just going to do this now. :) I get crazy with pressure around events of all kinds. I just do.

To enter: Please please please only leave a comment about this post on this post. Im much too flakey to search around differnt posts, afterall there are nearly a thousand (did I mention that number already? sorry....)

Leave a comment telling me anything about Lace. If you dn't know anything about Lace, ask someone and share their knowledge. Do tell us who gave you this lace advice, to make it fun.

TRY to encourage me. I am going to knit lace next. I really am. I may have to rip it out over and over and over, but I am going to succeed.

Tell my why I shouldn't just crochet. The last time I wanted to knit lace I ended up crocheting instead.

That's it. That's all. Just something about lace.

THe prize: wonderful summer sock yarn and other little goodies.

The Deadline: let's say Friday march 13th. Historically not a good day for me. I don't like the ides of March. I'll like it if I can give a prize away this year.

I might have a cat named Lacey some day.....if you have a cat named lacy, prove it and that can be your entry!



I'll talk to you in the comments. :)

Comments

Anonymous said…
I've personally never knit anything lace, but I've heard that running a lifeline through it will save you a ton of frustration if/when you need to rip out just several rows.

Debra in NC
Chris said…
Debra in NC, you beat me to my comment. What do I know about lace--that I am very afraid of it, but one of these days I really want to try it. And I am sure I will ripit ripit. Don't crochet it cuz it hurs your hand instead of your arm.
Cheryl said…
Hi, I'm a lurking reader, I don't usually comment, but I read regularly.

Lace knitting is just like any other kind of knitting, just with more decreases and yarn overs. If you're just starting out I would suggest tons and tons of stitch markers. If you mark each one of your lace repeats, it's a lot easier to spot where you may have gone wrong if something is screw-y. I also agree with Debra in NC - lifelines are awesome! This I've learned from experience...
Also crochet uses 3x more yarn than knitting
Anonymous said…
I'm a brand-new, beginning, self-taught knitter, but I've been crocheting for a while, and you can easily make crochet lace without all the fear and trepidation that seems to come with knitting it. Although, in my ignorance, it looks easier than cables.
Anonymous said…
I make sure that I use non slippery needles (aka no metal ones) so the stitches don't "accidentally jump off the needles to their doom". Also the suggestions of life lines and stitch markers. Take those suggestions to heart. Lace is beautiful and do able. Just have patience and take it slow. Ooh and count stitches often :)
Bianca said…
I have done small and large lace projects. As Kimberly said...it is doable. I used to work lace into sweaters...with a pretty result. But that was quite a while ago.

But if you feel up to crocheting, why bother lace? LOL... I might come up with a little something to try for you soon...

About March 13: It is my husband's birthday!!! And on the 20th our Wietse is turning two. Turn something not so nice, into something festive. Your posts always are a pleasure to read although I have the impression that you're having winter blah's at the moment.
Unknown said…
Here I am delurking for your contest. Out of the closet so to speak (well that's what everyone thinks when they hear about a man knitting)

Lace - first learn how to wind laceweight yarn into a ball. I have not personally mastered that, but I do collect beautiful laceweight yarn in case the day ever dawns when I can attempt it.

Now wasn't that helpful :-)

And happy 987th!
Tally Knits said…
I was always intimidated by lace, but found that it wasn't bad at all when I tried it. Just approach it thinking that it's just normal knitting... knit, purl, k2tog, ssk, and yo. You can do those stitches, right? Not so scary that way.
Anonymous said…
I'd suggest that your first lace project be done NOT using laceweight yarn. Do a pretty lace shawl using something like silk garden. Then when you've mastered the idea, you'll have something beautiful, and you'll be ready to do lace with a fine yarn.
evergreenknits said…
Congratulations on your nearly 1000th post!!

And congratulations on getting ready to test the waters of lace knitting. It's not nearly as scary as it seems from the shore!

I heartily agree with Rachel O that you can make it seem less intimidating by not using laceweight yarn. Sock-weight or even sportweight can make beautiful lace without being as fiddly.

Also, you don't have to start with something big. How about a lace bookmark or headband, almost as a swatch? Or a lace cowl instead of a full shawl?

The first lace knitting project that I ever completed was a complicated wedding shawl on small needles. I don't recommend that strategy. But the good news is that I've kept on knitting lace, although in smaller quantities and larger gauges.

p.s. I posted about your contest on WiKnit!
Oh, do try lace. You may have to concentrate a bit at first, but the end result is so worth it!

As has been said, start with something that's not laceweight. You can go with worsted if you like, or use some solid or semi-solid sock yarn. Lace can be done in any weight! Pick something that has a memory (such as wool) and a fairly tight twist so you don't have problems with splitting the yarn when doing k2togs and such.

Then pick a fairly simple lace pattern from any stitch dictionary. Cast on the required number of stitches to fit the lace pattern, plus six extras for the edges. Knit about six rows, then keep three stitches at each edge in knit stitches for the selvedge and do the lace pattern in between. Go as long as you like, then do five rows of knitting and bind off. Viola! You've knit a lace scarf.

For the pattern, pick something where the wrong-side rows are all purl stitches. That way you can count stitches on the way back and quickly fix any missed YOs.

Everything else is just practice.

I crochet, too, and you can do lovely crochet lace patterns (shout out to Doris Chan here), but knitted lace can be so much more delicate and beautiful.

Oh, and if it all looks like a blob when you finish, don't worry! Give it a soak and stretch it out to block. That's when the magic of lace really happens! :)
Becky G said…
Lace, what can I say about it? It will have you pulling your hair out, throwing your knitting across the room, cursing like a drunken sailor, and vowing to never knit another stitch again.

BUT, once you've finished, and you've blocked the thing, you see what you have accomplished, the feeling is like no other in the world. You see that beautiful, whispy, wonderful creation, and you think, "I did that. I DID THAT! Boy, I can do anything, now!"

And you know you've accomplished something magical.

That's the point when you have to be careful. Knitting lace is more addictive than crack. Ask me how I know. (Not about crack. About lace knitting.)

Go on, give her a go. Get yourself hooked!
Anonymous said…
Ok, I didn't think I could knit lace either and then I realized that I already do knit lace to an extent whenever I knit lace socks - so next step - lace shawl using handspun dk weight yarn - A BREEZE. Don't pick something complicated - pick something that you can remember and don't be afraid - it is only yarn and can be ripped out and started again. Remember knitting is supposed to be fun.
Heather said…
I love the look of lace, just not the effort I have to put into it. A large lace project to me is like penance. I know absolution at the end will feel really great, but all of the cursing I do to get there probably cancels it out.
I am sure you are above all of that right? Best of luck with it.
Elaine said…
Use a lifeline! Knitting lace can be a challenge, but you can help to make it less threatening, but having a way to limit the amount of damage that a mistake can make.

And remember, if it's not fun, faggetaboutit. Lace knitting can be wonderful, and it always feels great to have accomplished something new, but if it stresses you out, it's not worth it.

I was at my LYS today and they had several lovely lace shawls done in sport and worsted weight yarns. And, they're more practical in cold Chicago winters anyway. :-)
Ling said…
Not sure what else I can add to the helpful tips already! Just think of lace knitting as normal knitting with a few yarnovers and decreases. Start with a simple project - my first project was the Branching out scarf. Also, don't use mohair in your first project, ripping out the fuzziness is a pain!!!
Grace said…
My first lace project was a KAL on About.com Knitting forum, I was not going to do it because I KNEW I would fail, I bailed out several times. I did use lace weight, dpns, and then circulars and I have never parted with that Lace Shawl On my Rav page its the Pink Kerry Blue, towards the bottom of all my works, I sometimes use it as a table cover.
YOU CAN DO THIS!
Unknown said…
Lace...it looks frightening with all those little symbols in the charts, but if you take your time, all will go smoothly! I am on my second small lace project, the lace ribbon scarf, and absolutely love it! (My first was the Tiger Eye scarf.) I am thinking that a larger lace project is in my future, but only after graduation from grad school in May. So, my advice is to start small and take your time. Even with the simplest patterns mistakes are made.
I have nothing constructive to say about lace, but think of how impressed folks will be when they see that you knit lace! Whenever anybody shows up at Knit Night with a lace project, we all ooohhhh and aaahhhh and talk about how brave and wonderful and fabulous they are :-)
teabird said…
1000 posts! Wow.

Lace. I'm not that good with lace, but whenever I've succeeded, it was a combination of stitch markers and reading the pattern through a few times before swatching that made the difference.

Good luck!

teabird 17 at yahoo dot com
Turtle said…
Your a great knitter already...and seriously, if I can knit lace....YOU can knit lace!! It actually becomes quite relaxing and fun. just have faith in the pattern and you'll be suprised by the results!
Unknown said…
Ah lace. The secret is stitch markers. Thousands of them :-)

I use one for each pattern repeat. That way you can count between the markers and make sure you have the right number of stitches in small intervals and if you don't you know right away where the problem is. In the beginning, I would count each section on every row. Now that I'm more confident it's not that necessary, but I still do it every couple of rows.

Have fun. Be brave!
RoamingKnitter said…
I had to convince myself to knit lace just to be able to say I did it. Now I love to knit it, just haven't used laceweight yarn yet. My first lace project was a simple triangle shawl using a fingering/sport weight yarn & size 7 needles. OK, I had to put in lifelines to be able to pick up a few dropped stitches but I sure didn't have to frog back to the beginning! You can do it. I suggest you try a nice spring scarf, not a big shawl. I got tired of the shawl as it grew bigger. :-)
Unknown said…
Lace from charts is the best! to make life easier - go buy or grab out of the baking cupboard a new flat cookie sheet - big enough to hold your charts. Then get some strip magnets. You can buy prettied up ones on ebay or pretty up your own by gluing ribbons on. Us the cookie sheet and magnets to keep track of your place on the chart. Make sure to not store it in a place where the dog(s) can move the magnet. I'm sure you don't need to ask how I know that.

Most of all, relax, sit in a room with litte disractions when you start and enjoy. g
Miss T said…
Lace knitting is absolutely addicting. You'll love it once you get started.
Kristen said…
My first (and only, so far) lace project was the Lace Ribbon Scarf and once I got the hang of it, it wasn't too bad. My two tips would be:
1. Use a lifeline. I used dental floss.
2. stitch markers between every repeat are very helpful.

My scarf isn't perfect but I artfully drape it to cover the one major booboo and feel happy that the rest looks pretty darn good. It's definitely worth trying!
Anonymous said…
I admit to not having knit lace yet (I'm planning to take a large but simple lace project on vacation in May, because it will last the whole trip but not take up a lot of room), but the advice I've seen from dozens of people is to thread your lifeline through the tightening hole in interchangeable needles (I know KnitPicks Options have these, but am not sure about other brands), and knit the next row. The lifeline will end up in place as you knit, without you having to make sure it goes under the correct loops. I know this definitely encourages me to put in more lifelines.
|chee-uh| said…
Lace knitting is so easy. You are just making holes and knitting stitches together. What are holes? Yarn overs. I'm sure you are familiar with YOs and K2TOG and the like. Just use some stitch markers and a lifeline. Jump in, the water is just fine. Start with "branching out" on knitty.com. I think it's a great beginner's lace that's not boring and just a bunch of holes. I can also send you a vine lace scarf pattern I wrote up too.
Martha said…
When knitting lace, don't forget to put in a life line (run some scrap yarn through all of your knitting-while keeping all loops on your needles) so that when you have to rip out, you're not ripping out the whole project.
I admit that as a guy I've no reason to knit lace for myself. and none of my friends or relatives for whom I'd take the time to knit something would want lace either. SO, I guess it's up to you to pick up my slack and start knitting some lace. Congrats on nearly 1000 posts! If every letter in every post were a stitch, think how many lace shawls that would be!
Unknown said…
I love lace knitting! My advice is to use a lifeline (waxed floss is my choice) and to GO SLOW! Also, many lace patterns are one row of pattern and one row of purl. I always count the stitches on the purl row and that way I know I'm in good shape!
GHouk said…
Congrats on your 1000th.

I'm sure all this has been said already, but yes-lifeline. Even if you don't use it, you will feel better having it there.

If you have never done ANY lace before, start small and use a thicker yarn. Maybe make a washcloth or something with a lace design or put a lace insert into a garment.

Maybe start with a pattern like branching out from knitty instead of something like lyra by herbert niebling.

Have a pen or highlighter handy to help you keep track (at least at first.)
Lace is no biggie and you can totally handle it.
Good luck!
cksknitter said…
Lace necessities:
1. Magnetic chart holder.
2. Simple plastic stitch markers for the beginning and end of every repeat. Decorative stitch markers snag the lace.
3. Paper and pen to write down each row as completed. It's too easy to lose your place otherwise.
4. A lifeline as described above.
5. A good attitude. Knitting lace is easier than you think.
Chrissy at knittodayAThotmailDOTcom
helenlam said…
My big advice is to make sure you understand the lace pattern/chart first before knitting the lace part. Make sure you know what the abbreviation means! Pick something easy... where you will always end up with the same number of stitches on each row. You can do it!
Anonymous said…
Right after learning how to knit, I stopped for a couple of years. When I wanted to go back to it, I decided to knit a baby blanket for my nephew. I opened my stitch pattern dictionnary, and chose a lacey stitch pattern: one of the feather and fan variation. It was something like a 17 stitch/4 row repeat, very easy to understand and memorise. There was nothing more to it than k, p, k2tog, and yo - I'm sure you've encountered them all, and most lace is a variation on that basic theme, so there's nothing to be afraid of!
Make sure you understand the pattern, and you're not intimidated by it. Everything will be fine, I'm sure! Have fun!
Beverly said…
I heartily endorse the advice to use a lifeline, and yes, dental floss is perfect, as long as you don't use waxed dental floss. Ask me how I know.

Addi lace needles are just a wee bit sticky and have amazing points; both features make knitting lace more pleasurable.

My first big lace project was my wedding stole, and I promised myself I would only think good thoughts while I knit it so the wearing would be embued with those thoughts, too. I put it down if I got frustrated, but that didn't happen too often.

Finally, remember that blocking is truly magic. You will be astounded.
ikkinlala said…
I haven't knit a lot of lace, but I will echo the advice to use a lifeline and suggest that laceweight mohair is not the best choice for a first lace project (I learned that the hard way).
Anonymous said…
Kathy, Kathy, Kathy! If I can do lace, so can you. I am terrible at following charts, but what I do is to look at the chart and then write each row down, stitch by stitch on an index card. I can then flip the cards over after each row. I don't have to count rows, because I have my cards. I do use a stitch marker with every repeat because I can find any mistakes so much faster. I also DO not pick out a pattern with too many rows. I try to use ones that have simple wrong sides, like only purl back. This way I can "rest" on those rows. This may see time consuming to some, but it works for me.
Bea said…
Damn. I don't have a cat named Lacy. I do have a mannequin named Laci. Does that count? http://bea-blacksheep.blogspot.com/2008/11/poppys-punch.html She's even wearing a very nice lace scarf in that photo. I won't make you see the one with her in the lace bikini. Lace knitting is fun. There are so many different patterns with varying skill levels you just need to find the pattern that is right for you. Once you do it once you'll happily knit lace again and again.

The bikini, just in case, is here http://bea-blacksheep.blogspot.com/2008/07/lacis-bikini.html
Unknown said…
Well, everyone gave so much good advice, I don't have anything new to say, except you CAN do it!

Just unlurking to say happy blogiversary, almost, and many many more.
sheep#100 said…
I think that every knitter can learn something about themselves/their knitting by knitting lace at least once - even if what they learn is that they don't ever want to do it again.

If you are really going to try it, though, my best advice is to use lifelines: they won't save all your knitting but they may very well save your sanity - and the lives and sanity of those who live with you!
Kim said…
Why not crochet it if that's what you want to do?

Here's a tip, though: regarding my current probably to be ripped project, lace does not look good in handpainted thick-n-thin yarn. You can do it in a nice worsted weight if you want, but not both chunky and handpainted. The other good thing about lace is that thinner yarn is cheaper - you can do a gigantic fabulous project with only one skein of $20 yarn.
turvid said…
I have the very easyest lace pattern right here:

http://turvid.blogspot.com/2009/03/free-pattern-one-row-lace-scarf.html

Most people are happy with the result ;)
Anonymous said…
Oh, you must knit! It's a different kind of look. Here's what I would do, per the recommendations of my friend and former knitting teacher Deb (Wound Too Tight). Pick something not too complex or hard for the first go-round. My first lace projects were both from Knitty: Cozy and Branching Out. Make sure the first few rows you do without distractions, like TV, so you can get a feel for how the lace works. And use a lifeline. Very important.

Good luck!
Karen said…
I'm knitting a feather and fan baby blanket (started it Wednesday night). A very simple lace pattern. So pretty and delicate (even in worsted yarn). You will love it once you try it!
I like to count my stitches after working an increase row. It sounds like a hassle, but it saves me time in the long run. I'd rather find a mistake right away and tink back a few stitches than to discover the mistake several rows away.
Beverly said…
Lace is the art of making planned holes in your knitting. I'm sure you've made some unplanned ones so how about some planned ones for a change.

Start with a small shawl or if shawls aren't your thing how about a scarf or hat. Yes, there are lacey hats.

Get familiar with your symbols if you are using a chart and above all read the pattern first.

A lifeline is your friend. It makes ripping easier.

Enjoy. This is a chance to explore and increase your knitting repetoire.

I knitted my first lace projects in the same summer, a shawl and a cardigan. I love learning and challenges and my goal at that time was to knit lace.
sarah said…
I know it has already been mentioned, but lots of stitch markers, lifelines and a row counter. Also a photocopy of your pattern that you can write on rather than writing on the original.
purple-power said…
So many entries, so much advice. Not much new for me to say. I find xeroxing the pattern enlarged helps and then I use a set of different color highlighter to mark that I finish a row. Each repeat gets a new color. Helps me keep track really well.
Unknown said…
I personally reccommend that you visit
http://www.eunnyjang.com/knit/2006/03/majoring_in_lace_introduction_1.html

I'm pretty sure she will more than answer any questions you have about making the lace knitting process easier.

Other tips, use your pointiest needles, and as as someone else said, maybe try starting with heavier yarn for your first attempt and larger needles.

I have a cousin named Lacey, does that count? ^.^
Little Miss S. said…
I've only knit a few things in lace and curse myself every time - but end up loving it when I'm done. I'm greatly in love with lace in rather thick yarn and find it is the perfect way to get started with lace knitting. It makes beautiful shawls, cowls and bags.

When you get into it all with lace weigth yarn and all, running a lifeline through your piece will be what saves those first projects. Believe me, I learned it the hard way. In the beginning it's a good idea to run the life line through after every repeat of the pattern - later running it through after every 4-5 inches will be ok and in the end a few lifelines or none will work out.

And then stitch markers saves me every single time - it's just easier to count between them than all the way through your needle.

The only thing left to say, is "get started" - the minute you get your lace blocked, you know it will be worth it...
Anonymous said…
I feel so inadequate. The closest I've ever gotten to doing lace is once trying to roll a skein of lace weight yarn into a ball, not getting very far before it was a tangled mess, kicking it into the corner and say "I hate lace".

Maybe I'm inspired by all of these comments to try with a heavier weight yarn.

And happy almost-1000
Anonymous said…
I'm the dissenting voice here. Although I knit and crochet, I really prefer the way crocheted lace looks. If that's what you enjoy doing, I'd say forget about what others do and follow your heart. I'll bet most of the others really haven't done any serious crochet.

But I'm old so I'm allowed to be opinionated. :-)
Anonymous said…
I find that when you are knitting lace with repeated patterns it really helps to watch what kind of stitch you are knitting into. In other words if the previous row has YO on stitch #3 of the repeat every stitch #3 in that row will have a YO. Then, pay attention to what stitch is always knitted into that stitch in the next row of repeats. If you are off a stitch you have a checkpoint. Do this with each following row.
katerina said…
Everyone says lace knitting is so hard, but really it just requires a bit of concentration.
My first lace project was the Branching Out scarf from Knitty, and I did it in kid-mohair, never having done lace before and not knowingy really much about it. I figured if I could follow a pattern, knew the stitches, I could figure it out, and i did!
There was some ripping/tinking - quite a bit, don't get me wrong, but it was more because I didn't know about life-lines and how to keep track of my pattern and the like. With all you've knit - you'll be great!
I would recommend Not starting with mohair, but a smoother yarn that is easier to rip out when you make a mistake.
I think the main thing to think about is WHY you're so fixed on knitting lace. Is it a particular pattern? (then go for it) a technique you really want to try/master (go for it) you think lace is pretty (then it doesn't matter crochet/knit - do whatever you want!!) people are telling you you need to try it (forget them - pick up the crochet hook and go with your gut!)
There are beautiful patterns in both crochet and knit lace. Find one that calls to you, find a friend, and go for it!
Good luck!!!
Anonymous said…
I once said in a blog post that I can't knit lace. The comments on that post were much heavier than any others as every knitter from here to Outer Mongolia told me that lace knitting is nothing but knit stitches, yarn-overs, and knit-2-togethers.

The best advice I got was from Wendy Johnson who told me to not over-think it, always work from a chart, and use a lifeline. Guess what! I still can't knit lace except for the simple stuff like Sky Dive Shawl/Scarf. I feinted the first time someone said "nups" to me!
Anonymous said…
The joy of knitting lace is that you get a lot of knitting entertainment for your dollar. I've had a lot of success using Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud. I chose that yarn because one of my Siamese ("Meezer") cats is bonkers about mohair. I call it "kitty crack"! She grabbed my completed scarf with a "Wow!" and tore a hole in it the size of a 50 cent piece. No more mohair for me!

I also love lace because nothing gets compliments like a shawl. What a way to show off!
Anonymous said…
I have had my best luck with lace that is knit in heavier yarns- like DK weight or heavy fingering. I also find that those are the shawls I wear the most- I dunno why, but I just think that they feel more sturdy to me. So I say for your first lace, don't use lace-weight yarn. Use something a bit thicker.
When knitting lace:
1. Do not drink alcoholic beverages!
2. Use a lifeline
3. Count often and count repeatedly!

You can do it! Think of it as a learning experience.
Congratulations on nearing your 1,000 post! Wow! I'm almost to 100....that sounds so small compared to 1,000!
Georgi said…
Lace is so pretty when it is completed, but remember to use lots of stitch markers and to use a lifeline. And count, a lot! :-)
Just think of the wonderful sense of satisfaction you will have when you are done.
Aunt Kathy said…
I actually like knitting lace. My best advice is not to multi task... you need to pay attention when knitting lace, at least for the first few times. And as already mentioned LIFELINE is a LIFESAVER. Take it from me a lazy knitter that decided I didn't need a lifeline, yeah, right... lol.

I saw the link to your contest on Georgi's blog. I'll be adding you to my contest side bar as well.

I just reached 600+ posts, wow 1000 that's a HUGE milestone.
Anonymous said…
Lace is just knitting with a lot of holes in it...you probably did stuff like that when you started out knitting; miscellaneous yarnovers, dropped stitches and other random "techniques." Lace knitting is just doing that mindfully and with some sort of intent to create a pattern.

I suggest not starting out with a superfine laceweight, and certainly not anything expensive or fluffy - which would be murder to rip out...and would also recommend starting your laceknitting journey in a quiet, non-distracting environment - ie. NOT at knit night, a movie theatre, or riding transit! And certainly 'knitting under the influence' would be a recipe for disaster...
Easy Flame best beginner lace project just uses one skein of lace weight Malabrigo and lace turbo addi's sze 4.Just a dazzling pattern by knit and tonic.Here is a link to my project I knit.Hugs Darcy
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/KnottyKnitter40/easy-flame-lace-scarf
squiggi said…
After much trial and error with lace, my best advice is REALLY POINTY NEEDLES. I only wish I had discovered the addi turbo needles sooner. Spend the money and buy good tools, and you will be a lot less frustrated.
cthulhulovesme said…
I'm knitting my very first lace project right now-- cthulhulovesme's Japanese Feather Scarf. It's much less scary than I thought it would be. Actually, to be fair, it's not scary at all. :) I'd agree that it might be a better idea to start with, say, a DK or worsted weight to practice with before starting with laceweight, but the main thing to remember, either way, is that you shouldn't be afraid of it. If you can make a yarn-over and ssk, you can do lace.

-cthulhulovesme on Rav
ColibriDreams said…
I think you should definitively try lace! It's not really that difficult, specially if you choose a pattern that is easy (but not boring) and that you can memorize after couple of repeats. I did my first lace shwal in a week, because I didn't find a shawl for a wedding. Ok , it was a looot of knitting that week, but I did it and could wear the shawl in the wedding. If I could learn it that easily, I'm sure you can too!

Some tips... well, I don't now if someone said it alraedy, but try knitting lace with circular needles (but not in round, just knitting the right side and the wrong side as with straight needles). With circulars, you have more space for the stitches and they don't fall as easily.

And why not just crocheT? I think that you need less yarn when you knit. And the result is different. For me, knitted lace looks more airy than crocheted.
Anonymous said…
I wish I had something meaningful to add, but it seems that everyone else has already said it all.

I was going to recommend the addis too.

I love my red clicky counter that I picked up from Micheal's - love the 40% off coupons! You can't count carefully enough with lace.

I totally agree with the no multitasking suggestion - Unfortunately, that's one of my favorite things about knitting.

I would definitely NOT take lace to any knit group. I was feeling really confident with one of my projects and thought that I had it down....until I took it to knit nite that is. Too many funny women with great stories/drama. I got totally distracted and ended up frogging out the whole thing.

What does your pt say about doing a little crocheting? Can you find a pattern with thicker yarn and still use your square needles? Maybe being in your comfort zone will improve your chances of success!

Anyway, thanks for the inspiration every week when I check in. Hope you're not drowning in all this rain. See you Friday for # 1,000!

msuteachergirl
Sharon Rose said…
Knitting lace is challenging, frustrating, and wonderfully addicting. That's even before you add in beads. :) Plus you find out just exactly how loved you are, because as soon as you pick it up, the phone rings like crazy and the cats NEED to be on your lap. Get Lace Addi Turbo needles and good luck!
Anonymous said…
I am sort of a beginning knitter and was a crocheter first so I find the continental knitting easier. I learned on YouTube. Anyway, Eunny Jang's website is a great help. I like the addi bamboo needles or even the lace ones or crystal palace or the smaller takumi velvet or plymouth needles but you need one of those or it will drive you crazy tring to knit lace unless you are using large yarn and even then you really need the sharper points. My first was the shale or fan and feather one. Its easy to memorize and you can do a washcloth first to practice. A good blog about this is on Rachels Knitting Blog. I love how the lace looks and you feel very accomplished when you do it. I'm told the pi shawl is good because you only have to frog a few stitches if you have a problem. You will be alot less frustrated if you put a lifesaver yarn through.Its piece of dental floss or other small yarn that you put in at a point where you know your knitting has been perfect. If you end up frogging a bunch in the future you only need to go back as far as the lifesaver. I have to put annonymous because I'm not a blogger but my email is leenietammaro@yahoo. I wish you luck and fun doing the lace. Just start small and go larger. I figure ANY LACE KNITTING WE DO IS WONDERFUL amd we need to be validating to ourselves. Again, best wishes-- Arlene
One Sheep said…
It's probably too late to say anything original, but here's my advice:

Lot's of folks have mentioned lifelines, sometimes that is a phone line to a very sympathetic friend.

Don't every let the lace sense your fear, lace can smell fear. Approach the lace as the master approaches the beast.

Practice practice practice, and someday you may be knitting lace on the stage at Carnegie Hall.

Keep blogging. That one is for us, we love your blog! Congrats!
monica said…
I would say start easy but not boring, Use stitch markers and a life line. Needles with good points are nice for those k2,3,4,5,.....stitches together. And remember... it may not look like much as you are knitting it, but blocking is magical and turns it into a thing of beauty.
Susie said…
I've never knit lace but I do know something to, hopefully, help you along. In my short time as a knitter, I've come to see that knitters can do anything they set their minds to. I've seen it in myself and every other knitter I've met so far. I'm sure if you are determined and have all the right materials you'll do fine. Oh and looking up videos on YouTube is a great help. The great women there taught me how to knit. Much luck!
turvid said…
Lace is easy, don't worry about it ;)
Jane said…
Lace Advice:
Do not start out with a lace weight shawl with over 200 stitches cast on!
Try fingering or sock yarn and a simple lace pattern like the Old Shale or Feather & Fan.
Use lots of stitch markers to mark the pattern repeats.
Use a magnetic board to help keep tract of the row you are on.
And, maybe you shouldn't start out with a German pattern!
Anonymous said…
two things .. 1) i do have a cat called 'lacey' due to the fact that i couldnt call her 'embroidery!' she is black and white, well defined, except that around the edges where the colors meet its like there are little straids of white going into the mainly black part and vice versa ... more like embroidery but i didnt want to call such a longggggggg name and i happened to be knitting up some lace pattern at the time we got her at the local shelter. anyway, 2) doing lace patterns take concentration. therefore, in my opinion, one has no concept of anxiety about life when one works on lace patterns. they are often far too complex to allow your mind to drift. i love how i stress only about knitting rather than 'issues' when i do a lace project! good luck with yours (plus, no matter what the name of your future cat, just make sure you live with one as they are really neat pets and they all need loving homes!)

diane
fraid2fly1@yahoo.com
Joyce said…
I've just discovered this blog, and I"m sure I'll read more. Now about lace . . . it's lovely! I had loved the looks of it, and bought so many patterns and so much lace-weight yarn, so one day I took a class at my LYS. It was hard and tedious at first, but I decided I needed to learn to love it because I wanted to knit the yarn I had. I already cross-stitch, so charts are familiar. One day it just clicked, and the rhythm came, and now I love it. I have learned, though, that the rhythm has to come with each pattern. Also, I prefer fingering-weight yarn, but need to learn to love lace-weight, because of how much is in my stash. :) That's it, just be patient, breathe deeply, and the rhythm of it will come, and you will love it!
MamaMay said…
I actually just like lace. It does look rather ugly while being knit but after being blocked! WOW! it is just transformed!

Note: Blogger counts saved but unpublished posts as posts. if you delete saved but unpublished posts you should get the correct number.

Ravelry Name: MamaMay
Debra said…
I'm a beginning knitter - I've only knit a scarf so far but for my second project I chose a lacy stole. I picked a beginner level project with an easy repetitive pattern. But probably the most helpful thing is that it uses cotton yarn - I find that undoing and redoing projects in cotton is a lot easier than in wool or acrylic (I have crocheted more than I have knit). It's also easier to tell what your stitches are. Overall, it's easier to start with cotton.

I read that knitting uses up less yarn so not wasting yarn is a good reason to not crochet lace.

Now stop reading and go knit some lace! =D

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